Supporting those who Work with Children and Families with Program Assessment
Child Care Licensing Consultants ensure child care programs operate in compliance with local, state, and federal laws. They visit programs, meet with staff and administrators, and assess their compliance. They may review files or check the environment for safety hazards. Child Care Licensing Consultants understand laws and regulations that affect child care programs. They also understand child development and field best practices. Child Care Licensing Consultants may also provide technical assistance to help programs achieve compliance. They must maintain healthy relationships with program administrators and child care providers so they can work together to ensure high quality care for children.
- More information about specific qualifications for Child Care Licensing Consultant roles can be found by exploring Professional Level 4 on the MiRegistry Career Pathway.
A Validator reviews a program’s Self-Reflection responses and corresponding evidence provided to show programs are meeting the intent of the Quality Indicators. Quality Indicators are aligned with the Michigan Early Childhood Standards of Quality and Michigan Out-of-School Time Standards of Quality. The Quality Indicators in the Self-Reflection offer programs a guide for what high quality practices look like in the program. Because Great Start to Quality is meant to help families understand the level of care and commitment to quality improvement at each program, it’s important to review evidence of high quality practices to ensure the program is meeting the intent of the indicators. Validators speak with programs over the phone, if they choose to have a validation phone call to discuss the evidence that was upload and to learn more about how the program uses and implements the provided evidence.
Assessors visit programs in person to conduct On-Site Observations using one of GSQ’s three On-Site Observation tools: Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), Environment Rating Scales (ERS-3), or Social and Emotional Learning Program Quality Assessment (SEL PQA). When an Assessor from outside the child care program uses reliable and valid tools to observe program practices, it provides objective feedback that highlights strengths in program quality. It also gives the program a clear picture of areas in which to improve.
- More information about specific qualifications for Validator and Assessor roles can be found by exploring Professional Level 2 on the MiRegistry Career Pathway.